Carex is partnering with a financial services industry partner to identify a contract-to-hire Lead Project Manager in the Madison area for a 3–6 month contract-to-hire opportunity. This hybrid role requires 3 days per week onsite and 2 days remote, with some flexibility. This individual will initially serve as a Lead Program Manager overseeing multiple projects tied to a multi-year conversion initiative, acting as the lead PM across the program to coordinate workstreams, manage risks, and drive alignment across teams. Upon successful conversion to a full-time role, this individual will transition into a Project Manager III position within the EPMO and continue supporting large, enterprise-wide initiatives following completion of the core conversion. This is a high-impact opportunity for a seasoned project leader who can operate with discretion, navigate complexity, and deliver results in a fast-moving environment.
What You’ll Do
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Lead multiple concurrent projects connected to a large-scale, multi-year conversion initiative
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Serve as the lead Project Manager across the broader program, ensuring alignment across project teams and workstreams
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Drive program coordination, planning, execution, and reporting for some of the largest and most complex enterprise initiatives
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Identify, assess, track, and mitigate program and project risks while maintaining visibility with key stakeholders
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Facilitate communication and collaboration across internal teams, leaders, vendors, and external partners
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Build strong stakeholder relationships and influence decision-making across complex organizational dynamics
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Partner closely with an Organizational Change Management lead to support communication, readiness, and adoption strategies
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Manage vendor relationships and coordinate deliverables with product and external implementation partners
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Maintain regular program-level reporting and project updates using project management and reporting tools
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Coach or mentor project managers as needed and help strengthen project delivery practices across teams
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Transition into a Project Manager III role within the EPMO upon successful conversion to full-time employment
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Continue supporting large, enterprise-wide strategic initiatives after the core conversion program is complete
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Handle confidential program information with a high level of professionalism and discretion
What You’ll Bring
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6+ years of project management experience
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Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
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PMP or similar certification preferred
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Experience operating at a Senior Project Manager or Program Manager level, including leading multiple concurrent projects
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Demonstrated success managing large, complex enterprise projects and programs
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Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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Strong facilitation, active listening, and communication abilities
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Proven conflict management and stakeholder engagement experience
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Ability to influence without direct authority and work effectively across complex team environments
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Experience coaching or mentoring project managers
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Strong relationship-building and leadership capabilities
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Vendor management experience, including work with external partners and product vendors
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Comfort with project management tools and reporting platforms; experience with Orchestra is helpful
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Familiarity with analytics and reporting tools used to support program tracking and visibility
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Experience with core banking, financial technology platforms, or related environments preferred
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Financial services industry experience helpful but not required
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Ability to coordinate multiple workstreams, maintain program reporting, and keep stakeholders aligned
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High level of discretion and professionalism when supporting confidential initiatives
Carex Consulting Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.
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